Psalms 119:105
What does Psalms 119:105 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 119:105 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 119:105 means
Psalm 119:105 beautifully illustrates the guiding and illuminating power of God's Word. The psalmist uses the imagery of a "lamp to my feet" and "light for my path" to emphasize the practical and spiritual direction provided by divine revelation. In ancient times, a lamp was essential for nighttime travel, illuminating only the immediate steps. Similarly, God's Word offers guidance for the immediate future and illuminates the broader trajectory of one's life, preventing stumbling and leading towards righteousness. It suggests that without this divine light, life would be lived in darkness, fraught with uncertainty and misdirection. The verse underscores the Word's role in making wise decisions.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, And light unto my path.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, And light unto my path.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Your word is a light for my feet, ever shining on my way.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862<FI> Nun.<Fi> A lamp to my foot <FI>is<Fi> Thy word, And a light to my path.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Not available in this translation
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Context
This verse is situated within Psalm 119, the longest psalm, which is entirely dedicated to extolling the virtues and benefits of God's law, statutes, and precepts. Immediately preceding verse 105, the psalmist expresses a deep commitment to God's Word, stating his desire to keep God's precepts and not swerve from them (v. 104). Following verse 105, the psalmist continues to articulate his devotion and reliance on God's commands, even in times of affliction and hardship (vv. 106-107). The entire chapter is an acrostic poem, with each section beginning with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet, consistently reiterating the theme of the Word's centrality to a faithful life.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ephesians 5:13
But all things when they are reproved are made manifest by the light: for everything that is made manifest is light.
- Psalms 43:3
Oh send out thy light and thy truth; let them lead me: Let them bring me unto thy holy hill, And to thy tabernacles.
- 2 Peter 1:19
And we have the word of prophecy made more sure; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day-star arise in your hearts:
- Psalms 18:28
For thou wilt light my lamp: Jehovah my God will lighten my darkness.
- Job 29:3
When his lamp shined upon my head, And by his light I walked through darkness;
- Proverbs 6:23
For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; And reproofs of instruction are the way of life:
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